Applying for compensation in criminal proceedings
Have you suffered damage as a result of a criminal offence?
As a victim, you can claim this damage in criminal proceedings.
As part of the criminal judgement, the criminal court also decides on the civil claim (adhesion proceedings). This saves you having to bring a further claim before a civil court.
Note: The victim's heirs are also entitled to this right.
The criminal court does not decide on compensation if it considers the accused person not guilty. The same applies if the criminal court is of the opinion that the asserted claim does not exist. The victim can then assert their claims before a civil court.
This is also possible if the criminal court only recognises part of the asserted claim in the adhesion proceedings.
Responsible authority
the court responsible for the criminal proceedings
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- The claim must not have been asserted elsewhere in court.
- The defendant must have been at least 18 years old at the time of the offence.
Procedure
You can apply for adhesion
- in writing to the court or the public prosecutor's office or
- have it recorded by clerks of the court or
- make an oral presentation at the main hearing.
Note: A lawyer is not required for the application.
In your application, you must clearly state what (object) you expect from the accused person and why (reason). The application should also include the evidence. You do not have to state a fixed amount for the amount of compensation for pain and suffering. The court will determine the amount.
Note: You can withdraw the application until the judgement is pronounced.
The criminal court will decide on the civil claim asserted in the application for adhesion as part of the criminal judgement.
You will receive a copy of the judgement and, on request, an enforceable copy.
If the court comes to the conclusion that the application is inadmissible or unfounded, it will refrain from making a decision by means of an order.
Deadlines
Submit your application as early as possible.
Required documents
The competent authority may request documents such as
- Invoices
- Expert reports
Costs
You may incur expenses in the proceedings, for example for instructing a lawyer.
Your application may also result in higher costs for the court.
If the court grants your application, the defendant must also bear these costs.
Otherwise, the court will decide who must bear the expenses incurred.
Processing time
The court's decision depends on your application in the proceedings.
Legal basis
Strafprozessordnung (StPO):
- §§ 403 - 406c Entschädigung des Verletzten
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 28.10.2024